NFL responds to Jonathan Vilma's motion to expedite restraining order

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; The NFL quickly responded to Jonathan Vilmamotion to expedite a temporary restraining order against the league, filing a memorandum of opposition to the motion this morning. It zeroed in on Vilma's allegation that he was not permitted to interact with ...

The NFL quickly responded to Jonathan Vilmamotion to expedite a temporary restraining order against the league, filing a memorandum of opposition to the motion this morning. It zeroed in on Vilma's allegation that he was not permitted to interact with team doctors and that he waited 11 days after the court requested motions for expeditions to file.

Jonathan Vilma got a response from the NFL.

In a signed affidavit attached to his motion, Vilma detailed his long recovery from a knee injury suffered during a week two practice in the 2011 season. He said that the restraining order is necessary because with the suspension, he cannot continue to recover under the aid of New Orleans Saints head trainer Scottie Patton.

"Being suspended precludes my ability to work with Mr. Patton," Vilma says. "I am very concerned that being unable to work with Mr. Patton will jeopardize the rest of my football career and that my condition could deteriorate without his supervision and guidance."

In its response, however, the NFL calls into question the validity of the claim that he is barred from seeing Patton.

"Saints Training Camp does not even open until June 24 (sic). Under the CBA, no Saints players 'are permitted to participate in any organized workouts or organized football activity of any kind ... Moreover, Mr. Vilma's Affidavit indicates that he is not ready to participate in Camp because he is still recovering from an injury , and has only recently begun to run again for the first time in six months.

"And Mr. Vilma is incorrect about the ability of the Saints medical staff to interact with him during his suspension; while Mr. Vilma may not attend the Club facility, he can rehabilitate and condition at a private facility and Saints trainers and physicians can monitor and help guide his rehabilitation there."

The NFL also points out that Magistrate Judge Kurt Engelhardt first asked for motions of expedition in the matter on July 5, saying that Vilma's 11-day wait "belies the supposed exigency of his motion."

The league further reiterates that the court cannot hear Vilma's case because it arises out of a labor dispute within the NFL collective bargaining agreement. It asks for the court to wait until at least Friday to consider Vilma's motion because by that time, the league will have filed its motion to dismiss or for summary judgement in the matter.

Vilma requested the restraining order against a yearlong suspension levied by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, following his determination that Vilma played a leading role in a Saints pay-for-performance bounty program. The punishment was upheld in an appeals hearing held by Goodell on July 3.

Peter Ginsberg, Vilma's attorney, says in the motion that "Vilma will suffer real, immediate and irreparable injury in the absence of the injunctive relief sought."